Discussion about the RJ-11 connector at the end of the power cord

[icepick]

If you keep your power cord in a bag, it is very easy to snag an RJ-style connector when removing it. People wouldn't pay a premium for snag-protected RJ-45s unless this was an issue.

On an RD power cable, which likely gets many more connect/disconnect cycles (and thus greater opportunity for snagging) than your average computer network cable, snag protection would decidedly be a great feature.

[DVG]

Originally Posted by DVG

Greetings drivers. TBNXT, This thread is a good idea, but still missing the one piece of info people of like mind could be looking for.

I'm an IT guy and don't much like doing my own cable runs, so I contract as needed. However, like yourself I have cable terminating skills, tools and parts so would rather just crimp a new RJ whaterever end Escort has decided they used on the smart cable than spend $14.95 plus shipping for something I don't need.

So, ya, mine broke (retainer clip bent backwards) when I took it on a trip while helping a friend move his family. I had forgotten this friends way of tending to not care for things whether owned or not. Anyway... getting to the point, almost. Home from the trip I went to repair the cable, clipped the broken end off and trashed it. Didn't realize I was out of RJ25 ends so I called my fav. cable guy and he dropped a few off the next day. Oops emptied the trash last night.

Point of post - finally
Missing is the wire color order as it enters the detector, which in reading and searching here could be different between models. I know it's the middle 4 of the 6 pins. Not wanting to cook my trusty 8500 X50, I shelved it after striking out here some time ago. I want my detector back in service already and I'll be dog gone if I'm going to break my penny jar just to order a cable I don't need in order to find out the pinout or wire color order so I can finally crimp an end on properly.

Please can someone share that tiny bit of important info. When sharing please use descriptors such as: from left to right as looking at the side of the detector where the cable would plug into and top view. Breakable retainer tab would be on the bottom of the cable in that example. I don't want to crack open the X50 and reverse eng. the thing...yet! We'll see if anyone is alerted to new posts on this forum thread.

Thanks in advance.

Just wanted to post an update. I finally got around to figuring out why my detector still didn't work after crimping a new end on my cable. The fuse soldered onto the board inside the smart cable cig adapter blew. Replaced that and it works great. So glad to have it back in the car. Current vehicle is a 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT. Love it!

Thanks much to the forum for providing the info needed to get the new end crimped on.

[oddpedestrian]

I wish I read this thread sooner, I ran an extension phone cable with an adapter to my redline to find out later I wasn't getting 12 volts. The smart cord has 6 wires where a phone has only 4. Bummer but it still works I will have to get around to buying long cord later.

Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

[KSDeputy]

They had a much better connector, the round metal connector on my older 4600 detector. I think they are interested in whatever is cheaper. The plastic cover on both of the 4600 detectors we bought were both all scratched up. I had to try and polish the scratches out, which I did. That is why I have not bought a new detector since.

[smokinu454]

Originally Posted by KSDeputy

They had a much better connector, the round metal connector on my older 4600 detector. I think they are interested in whatever is cheaper. The plastic cover on both of the 4600 detectors we bought were both all scratched up. I had to try and polish the scratches out, which I did. That is why I have not bought a new detector since.

The older plugs may have been tougher but they aren't capable of handling six signals. The rj11 is used because these detectors have power, ground, mute signal wire, and comm circuits that allow your detector to communicate what it's seeing with a live cord. The rj11 plugs are easier to damage but very easy to replace with the correct crimping tool.

[mswlogo]

I think these are one of the best connectors.
I've never broken one on a Radar detector.
But I don't take mine down daily.

They are great for custom wiring too because you can get the length just right.
They are extremely reliable once snapped in because of constant spring tension.

I have broken a few Ethernet connectors (RJ-45).
But like you said they are a piece of cake to replace.

If you were to change connector, the only one that would make sense is connector integrated into the mount tab.

[UtilityBelt70mph]

Originally Posted by TBNTX

Hi everyone -

I'd like to start a thread discussing the little plastic connector at the end of the power cord. It's an RJ-11 connector, the same connector at the end of a standard phone cord.

The RJ-11 connector is quick and easy, but it has one "Achilles Heel". The locking snap on the connector breaks easily, and when it breaks, the connector won't stay in the socket of the RD..

that's my biggest fear is to be pulling my cord from my carrying case, and have it snag or break. i wonder if i could make a cap for it. similar to the caps people put on toothbrushes

[TBNTX]

Originally Posted by UtilityBelt70mph

that's my biggest fear is to be pulling my cord from my carrying case, and have it snag or break. i wonder if i could make a cap for it. similar to the caps people put on toothbrushes

I remedied this by getting an RJ-11 "coupler", like this:

https://www.firefold.com/Assets/cat3...upler-side.jpg

These were designed to extend two lengths of RJ-11 wire, but I used one to protect my RJ-11 connector. So far, so good!

[UtilityBelt70mph]

Originally Posted by TBNTX

I remedied this by getting an RJ-11 "coupler", like this:

https://www.firefold.com/Assets/cat3...upler-side.jpg

These were designed to extend two lengths of RJ-11 wire, but I used one to protect my RJ-11 connector. So far, so good!

that is a GREAT idea. thanks!

[leesrt]

In my years of working in electroncs and repeatedly installing connectors is the RJ11 is the best for the RD. The pins in the RJ11 are spring loaded in a sense and apply constant contact no matter how you move the connector. This is important with a device that moves and vibrates. In the event that one does go bad its a very easy repair without having to send it in.

The only other similar connector is the RJ45 used for cat5 and up but it doesn't have the same amount of spring in the contact points.

Don't even consider the mini USB type connectors because 1. they are prone to bad contact points and 2. would require being sent to Escort for repair.

I know the RJ11 isn't sexy but it is the most reliable, easiest to use, and easiest to repair.